MARGUERITE ANNE “RITA” (KELLY) KENNALEY

MARGUERITE ANNE “RITA” (KELLY) KENNALEY

KENNALEY, MARGUERITE ANNE “RITA” (KELLY) Loving wife of 46 years to her late husband Jack, loving and devoted mother of Robert (Kathleen), Kevin (Karen), Pat (Gary) and John, Rita was the adoring grandmother of Andrew, Hannah and Rebekah. Peacefully, comfortably and with grace on Monday, July 16, 2018, at Norfolk General Hospital, in her 85th year.

Rita was predeceased by her mother Beatrice, her father, John Joseph, her sister Patricia Eileen and her twin brothers, John and Terry. Born in Mimico, Ontario, Rita explored the adventures of youth in North Bay, Cornwall, St. John and Oshawa, before “Kelly” (as she was known to her nursing friends) obtained her degree as a Registered Nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Her ability to foster strong and long lasting friendships followed her from St. Mike’s to her career as a stewardess with Trans-Canada Airlines and on to Peterborough where she and Jack raised their family until moving to Markham in the early ’80s. There, she resumed her career as a nurse and, later, as an actor. Rita will be missed, most particularly by her immediate and extended families and her loyal Shih Tzu, Bill. At bridge tables across the province, through the many groups and associations she was involved with to the annual family reunions and Christmas parties she ran for years, Rita was always there with a smile, a laugh, an ear and a word of wisdom.

She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren. Many thanks as well to her welcoming friends at Cedarwood Village in Simcoe. Anyone wishing to honour Rita’s memory is welcome to join us for a visitation at FERRIS FUNERAL HOME, 214 Norfolk St. S. in Simcoe, between the hours of 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018. Rita’s funeral celebration will take place on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 211 Union St., Simcoe, Ontario. The Family will host a reception at 154 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe, following both the visitation and the funeral celebration.

Those wishing to do so are asked to honour Rita with a donation to L’Arche Canada (larchefoundation.ca) or Nellie’s Shelter (nellies.org).